Are there more providers in the area now?  hummmm   We must admit that we went through a slump over the past 6 months or so... but it seems like there are some decent providers in the area now...  or is it just me?!

I think you're correct on the quantity issue, although I'm not certain about your reference to "decent" providers.

On a related note, there seem to be many more providers in the $325, $350 and even $400 range.  What's up with this?

I'm surprised at the amounts being charged, especially since I think there's a supply and demand issue that should be keeping the rates low.  I have sampled an excellent unattractive provider who had almost no appointments, and an excellent attractive provider who had 4 in 3 days.  I've also seen postings of seemingly good providers who have an equally light load.

How can some of these agencies and indys charge so much?

Maybe they don't want to undercut each other figuring there are only a fixed number of customers in the area.

You might be right.  I just wonder if someone who charges $350, might do better if she charges $300. 1 or 2 more customers could make a light load more rewarding.

Our town is very weak on locals when you compare to what's available in other areas. Look at the smorgasbords in DC, Atlanta, Boston, NY, NC, Calif., Fla., and others, and you'll see the difference. Most of the quality here comes from the travellers. And they'll get away with what they charge as long as guys pay it.

and lower rates in other cities - they seem to set the price based upon a perception of what the market will bear in a given city.

You are absolutely correct sicnarf.  I charge various rates in various cities.  It all depends on the market.  Some cities are use to paying $$$ for lousy or subpar service, so charging $$$.5 or $$$$ for a proven GFE is not a big deal to them. I have been visiting Philly for 4 years and have always charged $$$.  I will not raise my rates in Philly.  I am happy with the response that I get at those rates.  The only thing that irks me is when an upstart that has been doing this a month or two, with no reviews etc. charges $$$$, gives subpar service and then has the NERVE to email someone like me ,who has been visiting for 4 years, that I am  need to get with the program and raise my rates a little WTF. ...Just WHERE DO THEY GET OFF ?  (Sorry about the rant.....it seems that  these emails are becoming more common and never cease to piss me off ).  

On the other hand, South Florida is a buyers market.  You can be queen Sh@t here and you will still have a hard time getting over $$.  Too many ladies from other countries that consider it great money (it is) and allow just about anything with no screening (I am not willing to meet "Bob", who doesn't feel comfy giving ANY contact info,  at Denny's for a cup of coffee for him to assure me that he is OK"). Hence, why I tour almost exclusively.

Philly is a great city, the gents are awsome...as word gets out about how wonderful it is the more the rip offs and B&S places will come.  Of course the wonderful legit ladies come too , but they are far fewer in between than the scammers....sad but true

...it seems like the cancellation rate is higher here than any other place that I've ever traveled to before.  It's so strange!!  I don't like to over-book, but it seems almost like you have to because like 70% of the guys that schedule here end up canceling!  So even if you are booked for as many as you like to take, you can count on most of them flaking out.

It's a shame, because Philly is such a nice place to visit.

I have been victim of the no review, no info visiting provider - she looked soooo hot...  but GFE?  NO, Was she distant YES - in the end I pleaded with TER to post a review, because I did not wish anyone else to see her expecting a GFE- someone else saw the lady with the same exact result.... so the review system works...

But I am surprised that one of these would call you directly!  What nerve...  !  thanks again.

There is no question that Philly has the lowest providers per capita and the highest rate among our neighboring cities. I did a search on $250 rate providers on Eros and here are the numbers I came up with:  Philly-14, Boston-21, NY-75 and DC-94.

This is a tired subject Tiger.

The girls charge more here because the knuckleheads here will pay it, period.

I'll tell you this, if the great Missy charges $$$, then that should be the ceiling. Her service, and more importantly her company, is unmatched. The fact that she will openly state that she gets emails from these ripoff artists telling her to "get with the program" and raise her rates, and yet still treats her clients fairly tells you what a gem she is. (It also says a few things about these other "ladies")

Missy - you're the best, and I still owe you a tail whooping on the links.  : )